Peru Leisure Travel

Peru offers plenty of adventure tours and hiking excursions, but what about when you just want to relax in between all the excitement? Travel doesn't have to be frenetic and fast-paced. In fact, some of the best moments come when you're simply soaking in the atmosphere, one moment at a time. Thankfully, Peru is a place that takes leisure travel seriously, and every adventure destination and remote location offers a place for rest and relaxation, too.

In cities like Lima and Cusco, you'll find plenty of beautiful boutique hotels and charming cafes and bars to enjoy between sightseeing. Pull up a chair, order a pisco sour, and watch the world go by.

Peru's best ecolodges and resorts can be found in the most remote corners of the country and offer a tranquil refuge between trekking expeditions in the Andes and nature walks in the humid jungle forests of the Amazon.

Located south along the coast from Lima, Paracas is a true getaway from the city. Book a room in one of the city's luxury waterfront hotels, sit back and soak in the ocean breeze. Then, maybe after a spa session or two, take on the unique sights outside the city.

Leaving behind the hiking trails of the Andes and the humid climate of the Amazon, activities around Paracas are decidedly more relaxing. Head out on a vineyard tour in nearby Ica and sample the regions famous Pisco brandy and lesser-known wines. Jump in a plane and fly over the desert to view the mysterious Nazca Lines. Or, grab your camera for a driving safari to Paracas National Reserve. Red-sand beaches, archaeological sites, and wildlife await.

When it comes to coastal relaxation in Peru, the northern surf town of Máncora has everything you might desire. What was once a sleepy fishing town known only to local surfers has become one of the world's top surf locations, and tourist infrastructure has boomed. Luxury hotels line the beach and restaurants owned by Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs dot the sandy streets. With almost year-round good weather, Máncora seems to have it all.

As well as the main beach, the beaches and villages south and north of the town are well worth exploring. Offshore, sail past the surfers on a private boat for a lazy afternoon of fishing or snorkeling in the warm coastal waters.

A popular holiday destination for crowds of young South Americans from across the continent, Máncora has a very local vibe and as such is one of the best places to experience Peruvian nightlife.